Biblical

Management

Principles

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

For further information on additional courses write:

Harvestime International Institute

3092 Sultana Dr.

Madera, California 93637

U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . I

Suggestions For Group Study. . . . . . . II

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . 1

Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 2

1. The Ministry Of Management . . . . . . . 3

2. Positions Of Leadership . . . . . . . . 14

3. The Anointing To Lead . . . . . . . . 26

4. Qualifications For Leaders . . . . . . . 39

5. Leading Like A Servant . . . . . . . . 57

6. Leading Like a Shepherd . . . . . . . 65

7. Tasks Of Leaders . . . . . . . . 77

8. Decision-Making . . . . . . . . 88

9. Conflicts and Discipline . . . . . . . . 98

10. Training Leaders And Followers . . . . . . 108

11. Facing Failure . . . . . . . . . 123

12. Success Principles . . . . . . . . 136

13. Counting The Cost . . . . . . . . 148

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . 156

Answers To Self-Tests. . . . . . . . 164

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

MANUAL FORMAT

Each lesson consists of:

Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.

Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.

Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.

Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.

For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.

Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED

You will need a King James version of the Bible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY

FIRST MEETING

Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.

Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.

Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.

Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.

Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.

SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS

Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.

Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.

Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.

Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)

For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.

Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.

MODULE: Organizing

COURSE: Biblical Management Principles

INTRODUCTION

This study presents principles of management revealed in God's written Word, the Holy Bible. "Management" is another word for "stewardship". "Stewards", or "managers", are responsible over something entrusted to them by someone else. As believers, each of us are managers of spiritual resources with which God has entrusted us.

A serious problem with many Christian leaders is that of organizing and managing these spiritual resources. If laborers for spiritual harvest are few as the Bible indicates, then they should be properly organized and mobilized.

Human growth occurs through the multiplication of living cells and the development of a skeleton to support them. For the body of Christ to grow, structure is also important. Spiritual life brings growth which we must be prepared to support.

This course is first in a series of three in the "Organizing Module" of training offered by Harvestime International Network. This study, along with the courses "Environmental Analysis" and "Management By Objectives" which follow, will help you become a good steward of spiritual resources. We recommend that these three courses be studied in order for proper understanding of the leadership, planning, and organization necessary for effective ministry.

This course introduces the subject of management, identifies leadership positions, and stresses the importance of the anointing to lead. Biblical principles of leading like a servant and shepherd and qualifications for leaders are also discussed.

Major tasks of leaders are reviewed, with emphasis on decision making and handling conflicts. Guidelines for training leaders and followers are given, and principles of success and reasons for failure examined.

The Appendix of this course provides opportunity for learning additional principles by studying examples of great leaders in the Bible.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

∙ Define management.

∙ Identify spiritual resources over which believers are managers.

∙ Identify the main requirement for stewards.

∙ Identify the greatest example of spiritual leadership.

∙ Summarize what the ministry of management includes.

∙ Identify Biblical positions of leadership.

∙ Explain how spiritual gifts are used in ministry.

∙ Explain how leaders work together in ministry.

∙ Recognize the importance of anointing in spiritual leadership.

∙ List qualifications for spiritual leaders.

∙ Explain how to lead like a servant.

∙ Explain how to lead like a shepherd.

∙ Summarize the tasks of leaders.

∙ Use Biblical guidelines to make decisions.

∙ Use Biblical guidelines to deal with conflicts and discipline.

∙ Train leaders and followers.

∙ Turn failures into success.

∙ Apply Biblical principles of success.

∙ Identify the costs of leadership.

∙ Explain the true test of spiritual leadership.

CHAPTER ONE

THE MINISTRY OF MANAGEMENT

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Define management.

∙ Identify spiritual resources over which believers are managers.

∙ Identify the main requirement for stewards.

∙ Identify the greatest example of leadership.

∙ Summarize what the ministry of management includes.

KEY VERSE:

To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition. (I Timothy 3:1)

New English Bible

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the ministry of management. When we speak of management we are not talking about secular management like that evident in the business world. We are speaking of managing spiritual resources for the work of the ministry.

If you learn the ministry of management, you will become a good steward of the Gospel and the ministry God has given you. You will be able to work with God to accomplish His purposes.

THE DEFINITION OF MANAGEMENT

"Management" is another word for "stewardship". "Stewards", or "managers", are responsible over something entrusted to them by someone else. Management is the process of accomplishing God's purposes and plans through proper use of human, material, and spiritual resources. Management is evaluated by whether or not these plans and purposes are accomplished. The Bible states:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to His own way... (Isaiah 53:6)

As sheep must be directed to move along a single path, so people need direction so their efforts and energies will accomplish God's purposes and plans.

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES

All believers are stewards of certain resources given by God. These are listed in the "For Further Study" section of this lesson. In addition to these resources, leaders are stewards over special resources which include:

The Gospel: We are to share its message with others.

Finances: Every believer is a steward of their personal finances, but leaders who control money of a church or Christian organization are also stewards of these funds.

Material Resources Of Ministry: These include things such as church buildings, property, and equipment.

Spiritual Gifts: Each believer has at least one spiritual gift for which they are responsible as a steward. A leader is also responsible to help others develop their spiritual gifts.

Other Believers: If you are a leader, you are responsible for other people. You must help them mature spiritually and get involved in the work of the ministry. God uses people, not programs, to build His Kingdom. Management involves getting things done for God through people.

THE FIRST MESSAGE ON MANAGEMENT

The first message from God to man was on the subject of management. God told Adam and Eve:

...Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it...and have dominion over...every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)

Three important tasks of managers are contained in this verse:

1. Maximize resources by "multiplying" to accomplish God's purpose and plans.

2. Minimize disorder by "subduing".

3. Maintain order by "ruling" (dominion).

THE GREATEST EXAMPLE

The greatest example of leadership is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the model for all Christian leaders. You will learn later in this course about the example He set by leading like a servant and a shepherd.

All the principles taught in this course are demonstrated in what Jesus did and taught. Every necessary quality of a leader was evident in the life of Christ. Every task a leader must perform was illustrated by Him. He set an example in training leaders and followers.

THE MAIN REQUIREMENT

God does not consider stewards successful because of their education, natural ability, or personality. They are successful because of their faithfulness. The main requirement of stewards is that they are faithful:

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

(I Corinthians 4:2)

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about servants whose master gave them resources called "talents", which in this case was money. They were told to be good stewards and use the funds wisely. Those who did so were called "faithful" and were rewarded. Those who failed were judged and held accountable.

THE MINISTRY OF MANAGEMENT

The ministry of management involves leading others to accomplish great things for God. Management includes the following areas which you will study about in this course:

Recognizing The Importance Of The Anointing To Lead: Anointing by God for leadership is more important than education, talents, and experience.

Meeting Biblical Qualifications For Leadership: The management of ministry begins with the management of self.

Learning To Lead Like A Servant: Scriptural leadership is not flashy public relations and a charismatic platform personality. It is humble service to those you lead. Serving is what sets Christian leadership apart from worldly leadership.

Learning To Lead Like A Shepherd: The qualities of a shepherd in the natural world are what Jesus used to describe spiritual leadership.

Understanding The Basic Tasks Of Leaders: These include the difficult areas of decision-making and solving conflict and discipline problems.

Training Leaders And Followers: We all lead in certain situations, but everyone is a follower in other situations. Leaders must have followers. Both leaders and followers must be trained.

Applying Principles Of Success Taught In God's Word: These principles will assure successful management of spiritual resources.

Avoiding Violations That Cause Failure In Leadership: Failure in leading and following results from violations of Scriptural principles.

Understanding Principles Of Biblical Organization: These include leadership positions established by God and those developed because of practical needs of the Church.

THE BASIS OF BIBLICAL ORGANIZATION

Organization of ministry is not fixed, rigid, or based on worldly patterns. Organization is flexible to accommodate the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Management of ministry exists for the purpose of achieving God-given purposes and plans, not to create a rigid corporate, institutional structure. Organization in the Church is really more like a living organism. The Bible compares the Church to the human body, with each part working together.

You cannot be elected to leadership in God's organization. You may be elected or appointed by man to an office, but no leader is ever made by appointment or election. You must be called and equipped by God for the work of the Kingdom.

Leadership involves position, for example, positions like apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Leadership also involves function. Its main function is equipping others for the work of the ministry. Leadership also concerns the relations of leaders with their followers.

Selection and promotion as a leader comes from God:

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalms 75:6-7)

OTHER AREAS OF MANAGEMENT

Management also involves analyzing your ministry in order to establish purpose and plans. You can learn how to conduct such a study in the Harvestime International Institute course on "Environmental Analysis".

Management also involves the following areas about which you will learn in the Harvestime International Institute course "Management By Objectives":

Formulating A Purpose For Ministry In Harmony With That Of God: If you do not know your purpose and have a vision, you cannot lead others.

Making Plans To Achieve The Purpose: You will never achieve your purpose if you do not plan to do so.

Organizing People And Procedures To Implement The Plan: Management involves motivating and supervising people as they accomplish tasks which are part of God's purpose and plans.

Perfecting The Plan Through Evaluation: The Lord's work should be done with excellence.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD MANAGEMENT

Here are some reasons why proper management of ministry is important:

PROVIDES PURPOSE AND DIRECTION:

If you are to be successful in ministry, then you must have a purpose and plans in harmony with those of God and be able to communicate them to others. When you know your specific purpose for ministry and make plans to fulfill that purpose, then you can lead others. Leaders must know where they are going in order to guide others. Guidance and unity in ministry involve common purpose and direction.

ELIMINATES CONFUSION:

When there is proper direction, confusion is eliminated:

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (I Corinthians 14:33)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Ephesians 5:1)

If God's activities are not characterized by confusion, the ministries of His servants should not be either.

PERMITS PROPER DECISIONS:

Decisions determine your destiny. This is true even of salvation. You make a decision to either accept or reject the Gospel and your eternal destiny is determined by your decision.

Your present life and ministry is determined by previous decisions you have made. You either made decisions by thoughtful planning or on the spur of the moment. Good management permits you to make proper decisions with the guidance of the Lord.

ESTABLISHES PRIORITIES FOR MINISTRY:

Priorities are things which are more important than other things. They are the things which take first place in your time and attention. You will have priorities in life whether you consciously determine them or not. You will establish priorities either by drifting into habits that become a way of life, because of pressure of circumstances or people around you, or by a definite decision based on God's purposes.

PERMITS ACTION RATHER THAN REACTION:

Many ministries are occupied with reacting to urgent matters in the present instead of planning for the future. This causes leaders to react rather than act with wisdom and purpose.

Without a strategy or plan, you do not know what you are doing in ministry, why you are doing it, or how it is to be done. Because you have no organization and direction, you have nothing to commit to, no way to evaluate your effectiveness for God, and you are easily persuaded to react and quit in crisis times.

Good management transforms desire to demonstration and visions to reality. It helps you determine what you are to do and how to do it in order to fulfill God's purposes.

ESTABLISHES ACCOUNTABILITY:

In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 the servants were accountable for all that was entrusted to their care. Their master had a plan, communicated it to them, and they were to fulfill it by investing the funds they were given.

You are accountable not only for knowing God's will for your life and ministry, but also for doing it:

And that servant, which knew His Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (Luke 12:47)

If you do not wisely manage the ministry with which you are entrusted, you will be held accountable.

PERMITS EVALUATION:

Management includes evaluation to see if you are fulfilling God's purpose and plan. Understanding Biblical principles of success and reasons for failure permit such evaluation.

PERMITS WISE USE OF SPIRITUAL RESOURCES:

Good management helps you manage spiritual resources properly and enables you to be a proper steward of funds, material possessions, people, and spiritual gifts for the work of God's Kingdom.

PREPARES YOU TO ENTER OPEN DOORS:

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (I Corinthians 16:9)

When God opens doors, you must be ready to walk through them and face new challenges. This is not possible without proper preparation. Read the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. God opens doors, but they do not stay open forever. They open and wait for you to enter. Then they close, sometimes never to open again.

HARMONIZES MINISTRY WITH GOD'S WILL:

The first question of the Apostle Paul after his conversion was, "What will you have me to do?" He was asking God, "What is your plan for my life and ministry?" Wise stewardship brings your life and ministry in harmony with God's purpose and plans.

GOD SEEKS LEADERS

God told King Saul:

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over His people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. (I Samuel 13:14)

God still searches for men whom He can use as leaders:

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land; that I should not destroy it; but I found none. (Ezekiel 22:30)

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him...(II Chronicles 16:9)

Becoming a good manager takes time and effort:

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (I Corinthians 3:13)

Wood, hay, and stubble all grow above the ground. It is easily produced and can readily be seen by man, but it is easily destroyed. Gold and silver are precious medals produced under the ground. They are not readily seen by man, but they are more lasting.

Flashy, popular, secular leadership is like the wood, hay, and stubble. It is seen of man and easily produced through natural talents and abilities. Godly leadership is like gold and silver. It is produced by the power of the Holy Spirit in the inner, hidden man. But it is infinitely precious and durable.

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define "management".

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. List the spiritual resources over which believers are managers.

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the main requirement for stewards?

_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Who is the greatest example of leadership?

_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Based on the discussion in this lesson, write a summary of what the "management of ministry" includes.

_______________________________________________________________________________

7. Why is good management important?

_______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Jesus taught more on the stewardship of possessions than He did on Heaven, Hell, or salvation. Of the 40 parables, 19 dealt with possessions.

2. Leadership is a great responsibility because you influence others. For example, when Peter said "I go fishing", those with him immediately said, "We are going with you also." Leadership is also important because a leader is a messenger of God. See Malachi 2:7

3. Study these comparisons of worldly and spiritual management:

-In worldly management, power is determined by skill, ability and knowledge.

-In spiritual management, power is determined by anointing and God's authority.

-In worldly management selection of leaders is made on the basis of factors such as skill and education.

-In spiritual management, selection of leaders is made on the basis of anointing, calling, and revelation of God's will.

-In worldly management, training is given in the areas of skill and knowledge.

-In spiritual management, training should be given in a lifestyle based on God's Word into which skills must fit.

3. God cooperates with those who manage ministry. Paul said:

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

(I Corinthians 3:5-6)

Worldly management emphasizes: Spiritual management emphasizes:

Money Ministry

Production Prayer

Fact Faith

Professionalism Anointing

Rules Love

Skills God's Word

Personality Character

Intellect Spiritual condition

Manipulation Direction

Tasks Relationships

Self-will Obedience

Competition Cooperation

5. Study this list of management responsibilities for all believers. We are responsible for:

a. God's creation Genesis 1:26-28

b. Mysteries of God I Corinthians 4:1

c. Gospel message I Thessalonians 2:4

d. Spiritual gifts I Peter 4:10

e. Forgiveness Matthew 6:12; 18:21-22

f. Love I John 4:7-8

g. Mind Philippians 4:8

h. Power Acts 1:8

i. Time Ephesians 5:15-16

j. Viewpoint I Samuel 16:7

k. Attitude Philippians 2:2

l. Faith James 2:14-17

m. Money II Corinthians 9:6-11

n. Praise Hebrews 12:15-16

o. Ministry Galatians 6:2

p. Body Romans 12:1

q. Character Titus 1:7-9

r. Family I Timothy 3:4-5, 12; 5:8

CHAPTER TWO

POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Identify special leadership positions set in the Church by God.

∙ Explain how these leaders work together in ministry.

∙ Explain how spiritual gifts are used in leadership.

∙ Identify other Biblical leadership positions.

KEY VERSE:

And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)

INTRODUCTION

The Church is the instrument through which God is presently working to reveal Himself to the world. In this lesson you will learn about leaders set in the Church by God. You will also learn of other leadership positions which have emerged because of practical needs in the local church.

The Bible gives specific qualifications which are to be met by those filling the leadership positions discussed in this lesson. You will study about these qualifications in Chapter Four.

SPECIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

THE POSITIONS:

The Bible identifies five special leadership positions set in the Church by God:

And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)

These leadership positions are established by God in the Church. They involve a special calling by God and special spiritual gifts. You should not serve in these positions just because you are asked or because you want to do so. You must be called of God and equipped with the proper spiritual gifts.

THEIR FUNCTIONS:

Here is a brief summary of the functions of these five special leadership positions:

Apostle: An apostle is one who has a special ability to develop new churches in different places and to oversee a number of churches as a supervisor. Apostle means "a delegate, one sent with full power and authority to act for another". The apostle has a special authority or ability to extend the Gospel through the world by developing organized bodies of believers. Modern terms used for an apostle are "missionary" and "church planter". The Apostle Paul is one of the best Biblical examples of an apostle.

Prophet: A prophet is one who speaks under the direct inspiration of God and holds an office of authority in the Church. A prophet has the ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance. Agabus is a good example of a New Testament prophet. See Acts 21:11

Evangelist: An evangelist has a special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in a way that men and women respond and become responsible members of the Body of Christ. The meaning of the word "evangelist" is "one who brings good news". Philip is a good example of an evangelist. See Acts 21:8 and chapter 8.

Pastor: The word "pastor" actually means shepherd. Pastors are leaders who assume long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.

Teacher: Teachers are believers who have a special ability to communicate the Word of God effectively in such a way that others learn and apply what is taught.

THEIR PURPOSE:

These special positions were established to accomplish the following purposes:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love may grow up into Him in all things which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)

The following diagram illustrates these purposes:

God

❙

gives

❙

__________________________________________

❙ ❙ ❙ ❙ ❙

Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers

❙

for

❙

Perfecting/Equipping Of Saints

❙

who will

❙

_______________

❙ ❙

Minister Edify

❙

resulting in

❙

________________________

❙ ❙

Unity Knowledge Perfectness

❙

that the Body of Christ may be

❙

______________________

❙ ❙

No More Children Grow Up In Him

(false doctrine) (truth)

❙

FINAL RESULT: Effective Working Of All Parts Of The Body In Love

HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER:

The five special leadership positions work together in the ministry of the Church.

The Apostle extends the Gospel to new regions to raise up new churches.

The Evangelist communicates the Gospel in such a way that unbelievers respond and are added to the Church.

The Prophet gives special messages from God to the Church by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Teachers provide instruction which goes beyond the presentation of the Gospel done by the evangelist. They take new converts on to spiritual maturity and train faithful people who are capable of teaching others.

Pastors assume long-term leadership and care for the Church.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN LEADERSHIP

The five special leadership gifts are not the only positions of leadership in the Church. Every believer has a function in the Church:

But now hath God set the members, every one of them, in the body, as it hath pleased Him. (I Corinthians 12:18)

Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. His spiritual gift equips him to fulfill his function in the Body:

But all these (spiritual gifts) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11)

We have already mentioned the special leadership gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Here is a list of the other gifts the Holy Spirit gives believers:

Speaking Gifts: Prophecy, teaching, exhortation, word of wisdom, and word of knowledge.

Serving Gifts: Serving, helps, leadership, administration, giving, showing mercy, discerning of spirits, faith, and hospitality.

Sign Gifts: Tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, and healings.

The Bible references which identify these gifts are:

-Romans 12:1-8

-I Corinthians 12:1-31

-Ephesians 4:1-16

-I Peter 4:7-11

(The Harvestime International Institute course, "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit", discusses each of these spiritual gifts in detail. It also provides guidelines for discovering your spiritual gift.)

IMPORTANT GIFTS FOR MANAGERS

Two of these spiritual gifts, those of leadership and administration, are especially important to managers. The gift of leadership is identified in Romans 12:8 as one who "ruleth" or leads. A person with the gift of leadership has the ability to set plans in harmony with God's purpose and communicate these goals to others. He motivates others to accomplish these goals for the glory of God.

In I Corinthians 12:28, the gift of administration is called "governments". A person with this gift has the ability to give direction, organize, and make decisions on the behalf of others. The meaning of the word "governments" or "administration" is similar to that of a pilot steering a ship. A person with this gift is responsible for direction and decision-making. Like the pilot of a ship, he may not be the owner of the ship, but he has been entrusted with the responsibility of directing it on its voyage.

Titus is a Biblical example of a person with the gift of administration. The Apostle Paul started a church in Crete. Titus was the one who organized and directed it for him:

To Titus, mine own son...For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. (Titus 1:5)

The gifts of leadership and administration function well together. A person with the gift of administration has the ability to direct, organize, and make decisions. The person with the gift of leadership has the ability to motivate and work with people to achieve these goals.

EVERYONE CAN SERVE

Leadership is not limited to believers with these two gifts or the five special leadership positions. Believers with other spiritual gifts may be asked by Church leaders to serve in various leadership positions.

For example, a person with the gift of giving may be asked to lead a committee on church finance. A person with the gift of healing may be asked to lead a group of believers in ministering to the sick in local hospitals.

The work of the ministry for which spiritual gifts are given involves many opportunities for leadership. Even if a believer does not have one of the leadership gifts he has the potential of becoming a leader through proper development of his own spiritual gift.

OTHER BIBLICAL POSITIONS

There are other positions of leadership mentioned in the Bible that are not spiritual gifts. They are "offices" established because of practical needs of the Church.

The offices of deacon, elder, and bishop are mentioned in the New Testament. (Some people consider a bishop to be similar to a pastor. Others consider it a separate office.)

The record of the early Church was preserved by God as an example for us to follow in Church structure. These offices should also function in the Church today.

The purpose of these offices is to assist those with spiritual gifts of leadership like the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and those with the gifts of leadership and administration.

Use the following outline to study these positions::

Title References Duties

BishopI Timothy 3:1-7 Many consider a bishop to be similar to a pastor.

Philippians 1:1 He does have long-term care over a group of

Titus 1:5-9 believers.

I Peter 5:2-3

Deacon I Timothy 3:8-13 These verses indicate deacons have a ministry

Philippians 1:1 of serving and helps.

Acts 6:1-7

Deaconess I Timothy 3:11 Deaconess are not specifically mentioned in the

Romans 16:1-2 Bible. Some churches have adopted this term for the wives of deacons or other women who minister in serving or